Published Sep 07, 2026 | 2:47 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 07, 2026 | 2:47 PM
The fatal accident involved eight engineering students from Tamil Nadu on National Highway 66 at Kaipamangalam Panambikunnu in Thrissur.
A forensic examination of the eight engineering students from Tamil Nadu who died in the accident on National Highway 66 at Kaipamangalam Panambikunnu, Thrissur, has found that most of the victims had consumed alcohol.
According to Dr TS Hithesh Shanker, Professor of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College-Thrissur, and Police Surgeon, the presence of alcohol in the blood was an important finding that should be considered in the investigation. But he also added that it cannot be conclusively established that alcohol consumption caused the accident.
Meanwhile, it’s learnt that the blood samples of the victims have been sent to the Chemical Examination Laboratory at Kakkanad, Ernakulam, for detailed analysis.
Tests are also being conducted to determine whether synthetic drugs were consumed.
In a Facebook post, Dr Hithesh Shanker said that alcohol can impair a driver’s judgement, attention, reaction time, coordination and perception of speed and distance, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
However, he stressed that the mere presence of alcohol in the blood cannot scientifically establish that it was the cause of the crash.
The expert also called for a comprehensive investigation into other possible contributing factors.
Concerns have been raised over safety lapses at the NH66 construction site and the alleged unsafe parking of heavy vehicles along the roadside, which could have increased the severity of the accident.
Meanwhile, police are investigating reports that the students had a clash with residents at Pathamkalli in Thalikulam shortly before the accident.
According to preliminary information, a dispute reportedly broke out after the group stopped their vehicle while looking for accommodation.
Following a complaint from locals to the Vadanappilly police, the students allegedly left the area.
Police are collecting CCTV footage, including footage from around the Tenth Stone area, to establish the sequence of events before the crash.
Dr Hithesh Shanker said the tragedy should not be attributed to a single factor without scientific investigation, stressing that all possible contributing circumstances need to be examined.
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(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
